Public Hearing On Target Shooting

DURHAM — The planning and zoning commission will hold a public hearing tonight on two applications intended to allow skeet target shooting at the Durham Rod and Gun Club property at 418 Madison Road.

The commission will conduct public hearings on two separate applications by the rod and gun club. The club is seeking a zoning text amendment that would allow existing sportsmen's clubs to construct and utilize skeet and trap shooting facilities in a residential zone under a special permit approved by the commission.

A second public hearing will focus on the club's special permit application to construct three 10- by 10-foot block structures to house target-throwing machines.

A previous effort by the rod and gun club to conduct target shooting activities at the club property off Route 79 led to objections from neighbors and court litigation between the club and the commission in 1995. A Superior Court judge affirmed the commission has the authority to regulate target shooting activities in a residential zone.

The public hearing will convene at 8 p.m. in the meeting room at the Durham Public Library.